Ruben Akalé has signed his first professional contract with Serie A side Hellas Verona, committing to the club until June 2028.
The 18-year-old attacking midfielder, son of former Ivorian international Kanga Akalé, will begin his journey with the Italian club’s U20 squad, determined to progress through the ranks and establish his own identity in the world of football.
The move to Italy marks the beginning of a new chapter for the French-trained talent, who has chosen to step outside his comfort zone in pursuit of personal and professional growth.
Speaking to 225foot, Akalé expressed pride and determination following the signing, emphasising his desire to earn recognition for his own achievements rather than relying on family legacy.
“It’s a real source of pride to sign with Hellas Verona,” he said. “I wanted to get out of my comfort zone, discover a new culture, another league, a different way of working.
It’s an important step for me, a real challenge.”
His decision to begin his professional career abroad underlines his willingness to take risks early in his development.
While he acknowledges the demands that come with top-level football, Akalé is approaching this phase with humility and a clear vision for growth.
“I’ve come to learn, to improve every day,” he continued. “I don’t put unnecessary pressure on myself.
My goal is to work in silence, to better myself, and to seize the opportunity I’ve been given here. Nothing is handed to you; everything has to be earned.”
Akalé’s path is inevitably linked to his family’s footballing roots. His father, Kanga Akalé, earned acclaim with AJ Auxerre and the Ivorian national team.
Meanwhile, his brothers Aaron and Joachim are pursuing their own careers in Switzerland and France, respectively.
Despite these connections, Ruben is determined to build a reputation that stands apart.
“I’m proud of what my father has achieved, and of my brothers too,” he said. “But I want people to talk about Ruben Akalé because of what I do on the pitch. My name might open doors, but it’s my work that will keep them open.”
Rather than be overwhelmed by the expectations that come with his surname, Akalé embraces a grounded, methodical approach to his career.
He believes lasting success requires more than talent—discipline, patience, and humility are essential.
“I’m here to learn, to fight for my place in every training session and every match,” he said. “The most important thing is to listen, to stay humble, and to stay focused.
I know the road is long, but I’m ready to walk it with patience and determination. I don’t feel pressure.
What matters is not meeting other people’s expectations, but building my own career step by step. I want to be judged for my football—not for my name.”
Hellas Verona, who have invested in the promising midfielder with an eye on future development, appear confident in Akalé’s mindset and potential.
While the move may have gone under the radar in broader football circles, the club sees it as a valuable addition to their youth setup—a bet on ambition, discipline, and quiet determination.
As Ruben Akalé begins this new journey in Italy, he does so not in the shadow of legacy, but with a vision to create one of his own. The name is familiar, but the story is just beginning.
